A DECISIVE DEFEAT FOR THE GERMANS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3084, 15 May 1917, Page 5

A DECISIVE DEFEAT FOR THE GERMANS

FIRST SERIOUS BLOW AT THE NEW DEFENCES. ' ~ , . ,tt , , London, Miy 13. A correspondent at Headquarters writes: "The mere fact that General Haig has established himself in the ruins of Bullecourt constitutes a decisive- defeat for the Germans who have sacrificed thousands of lives in a desperate and futile attempt to relieve tho menace to this vitally important position. The latest details of the battle show that General Haig frrestalled strong enemy 'counter-attacks, and boldly launched an offensive, which first nearlv surrounded and then iiresistibly stormed the village. The fighting continues, with every prospect of a great victory. The fall of P.ullecourt will practically isolate Queant. General Haig's successes at the Roeux cemetery and chemical works, two other tremendously strong positions, are equally significant."—Aus-.-N /. Cable Assn.

OBSERVATION POINTS OF GREAT VALUE. >. (Rec. May 14, 6.10 p.m.) v Mr. Philip Gibbs writes: "As Hie result of the and Cavalry I'arm, Hie Germans hav e lost observation posts of high advantage to the. British Staff. 'Ihere is great relief that these points, for which we have struggled so long and regained S o easily, have been organised for defensive purposes so rapidly.

LOCAL BATTLES OX TWENTY MILES OF FRONT. London, Mav 13. Router s correspondent at Headquarters states that the British arc active on a front of twenty miles. The stonewalling of the past few days developed into many small attacks by the armies of Generals Allenby and Gougli. Tlie'fislitiiiE began at twilight on Friday. Many more prisoners would have been taken but the Germans bolted, and were shot down Our casualties were low.—Renter. SPLENDID DOINGS AT BULLECOURT. , Paris, Mav 13. Splendid news has been received about Bullecourt. The Australians, after more than holding their own against picked German troops, have widened their "bite" in the Hindeiibuit; line, and made magnificent progress, and ale bombing their way inflexibly aloiijr the main trenches. The Bi.llccourtQueant redoubt forms tho hirgo on which the Hindenburg lino turns. The capture "f Bullecourb was a brilliant British feat, aud is the list serious blow against the enemy's new defensive system.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. t ON THE FRENCH FRONT „,„.., Paris, Mnv 13. A trench ofncial communique states: "Our artillery is active, especially south of Sf. Quentin, on the plateau liorrh of the Aisne, and in the Champagne. No infantry action has occurred except a French raid at Berry-au-Bac. There were numerous air lights on Monday, in which seven German aeroplanes were destroyed, and seven others foil badly damaged. Artillow and rifle lire broke up violent enemy attacks on the Craonne. plntenii. north of Reims, and in the region of Maison do Champagne, with hnav losses." — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. (Rec. May 14, 6.10 p.m.) " ~,,„.., . London, Mav 13. A I'raich official communique states: "There is a relative calm alone the whole front. Our batteries continued their destructive, bombardment of tho enemy's works and organisations."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable A.ssn.-Reutev.